1976 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team as 1976 1¢ WDDO-001 and cross-referenced as CONECA 1-O-VI and Coppercoins 1976P-1DO-003, this doubled die obverse is a Class VI variety — distended hub doubling — that shows extra thickness on LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. Class VI doubling occurs when the hub expands slightly during the impression process, creating extra thickness on design elements without the directional spread characteristic of other doubling classes. The variety was submitted by Tony Russo and carries recognition across all three major attribution systems, confirming its standing among the most thoroughly documented 1976 Philadelphia doubled die obverse varieties. An extensive constellation of die markers anchors the attribution: on the obverse, a die gouge runs north-northeast from the I of IN, a die gouge (dot) sits to the right of the lower G in GOD, circular die scratches run behind the ear and into the field from the back of the head, similar circular die scratches appear below the date, and a die crack can be found on the base of the bust above the VDB designer's initials. The reverse carries its own diagnostics — die scratches running southwest to northeast in the upper first two Memorial bays, and circular die scratches in the first three and last three Memorial bays. The circular die scratches on both obverse and reverse are a particularly distinctive feature that makes this die readily identifiable. Philadelphia struck its 1976 cents without a mint mark, and WDDO-001 entered general circulation where it can still be discovered through careful searching. Attribution by the Wexler Team.

Attribution History

• Discovered by JenniferCasazza Cross References: Coppercoins: 1976P-1DO-003
• Coppercoins: 1976P-1DO-003; Wexler Variety ID: 1976 1¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References